Book: Torrent
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Publisher: David C. Cook
Release date: September 1, 2011
Source: Received from publicist for review
Series: River of Time #3
NOTE: THE SUMMARY AND REVIEW BELOW CONTAIN SOME SPOILERS FOR THE TRILOGY! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Summary: (from Goodreads) When Gabi and Lia finally learn to surf the river of time, they realize they must make hard choices about life and love in the third and final book in the River of Time series.
Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times. But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever — even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the suspenseful conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision is about life . . . and death.
Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times. But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever — even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the suspenseful conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision is about life . . . and death.
First impressions: We're back! After jumping through some serious hoops with major consequences, the Bettarini girls are back in Marcello's time, and the action picks up immediately. At this point, reading this series feels like meeting old friends for coffee. No need for pleasantries, we can jump right into the heart of things.
Lasting impressions: But...but...I want moooooooore!
Conflicting impressions: There wasn't nearly enough resolution for me. I wanted to know the fate of Paratore. And what happened to Giacinta? I felt like the book rushed through all of the events without taking the time to fully explore them in a way I'd have more enjoyed.
Overall impressions: It's impossible to sum up my feelings on this book without a few spoilers, so if you've made it this far by ignoring my above disclaimer, then I wash my hands of responsibility for spoiling the party.
I want to start first with what annoyed me. Ben had it far too easy working his way into this new century. He's thrust into battle right off the bat, and then they have to run for their lives without any time to stop and consider what just happened. When they do, I found it to be desiring. Much like others' complaints that Marcello and Luca don't seem curious enough about the future, Dad seemed a little too accepting. For all the trouble they went to to bring him back, Dad gets the short stick in this tale, which was a bit disappointing.
The ending was also a bit cliffhanger-y. There's a huge battle (which Lisa Bergren continues to write with exquisite pacing and detail), but the story ends just after it. I wanted some more clues on where their lives were headed and just how much the events of the three books have impacted them. I felt I was denied a complete resolution for these characters.
Okay, but there was way more good stuff than bad stuff. All of my whiny complaints aside, Bergren has given us a solid third book in the River of Time trilogy. As in Cascade, the action drives the story at a brisk pace. The war between Firenze and Siena is threatening to boil over, and Firenze wants nothing more than to get their greedy paws on the She-Wolves of Siena. Gabi faces the pressure of marriage in order to save the dying and tortured Fortino. Can she thrust aside her feelings for Marcello and save Siena by marrying the alluring and attractive Lord Greco?
Marcello seemed miles away from Greco in this one. Rash, stubborn, and a bit immature, the luster of Marcello was wearing thin for me. Along comes dashing Rodolfo Greco and I'm all "Marry him Gabi!" I love books that can make you divide your allegiance between hot, strapping men. It gave Gabi some needed perspective and made her choice to get married at all more informed and adult instead of just a bit of teen love cementing her fate.
Obviously, this is a must-read for River of Time readers. It is full of excitement, love, doubt, sacrifice, and faith. Not just faith in God or destiny, but faith in ourselves and our choices. Gabi's story is all about the decisions she makes and how she knows they are the right ones. Sometimes she does, and sometimes she has to take a leap of faith and do what she thinks is right. It's a fantastic journey for her and for the readers, and I'm glad I got to be a part of it.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Curious about my reviews for the first two books in the trilogy? Read my take on Waterfall and Cascade.
Amazingly beautiful and painstakingly crafted signature courtesy of Small Review
2 comments:
*hugs* because I'm so happy you liked it! At first I thought the same thing about Ben. He was so accepting. But then I thought about it a little more and I think it makes more sense to me now.
He has a very objective, logical mind (which we see through how he approaches his career) and he also has extreme faith in his family. Plus, he's got a whole lotta proof in front of him showing him that the time travel thing is not a figment of his loved ones' imaginations.
He seemed like a smart guy who is quick on the ball, so I can see how he would be pretty accepting when faced with irrefutable proof. I also figured a lot more of the "OH MY GOSH I DIED?!" parts of it and the more emotional side of things went on behind the scenes in conversations with Momma She-Wolf.
I want more too! I think Giacinta is fine. Didn't Gabi save her?
And here is my obligatory SQUEEEE!! (I LOVE your last paragraph!)
Hahahaha I was super fickle in this one too, I was all I love you Marcello and then OH MY GOD I LOVE YOU GRECO. He just about killed me in this one, Gabi had way more restraint than I would have, I might have pounced on him:) I'm hoping this isn't the end of the world and we get more. I need Greco's story!
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